Behold, my new hair color! I’ve been a red-head since March, so it was time for my superb stylist (Isolde from Avant Garde Hair in Vancouver) to turn me dark purple. Note that it’s not one solid color: there’s plum and chocolate brown textures weaved in. Happy.

The lovely owner Bambi (right) is a talented corset-maker, who made outfits for Jpop stars Koda Kumi and Ayumi Hamasaki.

Abilletage is lushly decorated with thick red curtains, chandeliers and antiques. There’s also a coffee and tea section, popular with Tokyo’s Gothic ladies and gentlemen. (Order the ice chai, you won’t regret it.)

Bambi laces me into a purple-and-black lace corset that she sewed and decorated with crystals.

Her studded black design is perfect for Mistress Maya. On the right: “Despite all my rage, I’m still just a rat in a cage!”

The NHK Kawaii TV segment is about La Carmina’s world: the spooky places and people that inspire me.

Bambi’s accessories are lovingly scouted from vintage and foreign sources. Many of the items are handmade by her designer friends.

There’s currently a steampunk-fetish leather display. My first mate, Naomi, tries on a mask. (Photos by Naomi and me. Have you seen her comic series Domestic Animal, about her travels?)

When Yukiro gives the middle finger… deadly.

Abilletage is a gem of a store, created and supported by Tokyo’s vibrant Goth-steampunk-fetish subculture. Step away from the big brands and give this boutique a visit (Bambi speaks some English).

It’s located here (map) in Shinjuku, next to the AM/PM in a white building. Go up stairs and take the elevator to 3rd floor. The address is 東京都新宿区千駄ヶ谷5-32-6 大西ビル303; it opens 1:30pm.

Filming with NHK TV was a wonderful experience, and I’m excited to see the program! Coming up: reports from the next two locations we shot. And before you ask — yes, I’ll let you know when the show airs, and put up clips.

But the important question… what do you think of my new hair? Were you surprised by the color?

You’re new hair is very lovely ^ ^
And that place looks amazing! I always like seeing one of a kind shops, everyone always looks so friendly and happy with what they are doing. Bambi is a genius with those corsets! Definitely a lover of those.

What an interesting post, it’s so refreshing to see someone feature a corset maker in a post rather than blogging about the mass-produced off the rack corsets that are so common (they have their place, but I do prefer the handmade kind).
I love the contrast between that girl’s Lolita outfit and her gasmask, it’s a very interesting look :)

Hey, I have found some of most coolest hair styles from this post. And the the colours of your hair are really looking just heart touching. It’s really looking one of the most appreciative post about exotic fashion. Thanks for sharing.